Iowa State Patrol to redesign unmarked cars

Published On: Jan 08 2013 03:28:32 PM CST

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -

The Iowa State Patrol is putting logos and emergency light bars on previously unmarked cars in an effort to increase its presence.

The Gazette reports the administrative change was ordered by new Department of Public Safety Commissioner K. Brian London. It means there will be new equipment atop half of the 70 previously unmarked cars.

A patrol spokesman says the move is aimed at increasing law enforcement visibility on state roads. And it's also aimed at encouraging people to obey the speed limit better.

Each district will retain an unmarked vehicle, and others will keep two.

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